Oahu Fire Damage Restoration

Understanding Fire and Smoke Damage: What You’re Actually Dealing With

After working on hundreds of fire restoration projects across Oahu, I can tell you that many people don’t realize the full extent of fire damage until we begin our inspection. Here’s what we typically find:

Smoke Damage:

This is often more extensive than the fire damage itself. Smoke travels through your HVAC system, into closets, and behind walls. It leaves behind acidic soot that can permanently etch glass, corrode metals, and discolor surfaces if not treated immediately. In commercial buildings, smoke damage can shut down operations and damage expensive equipment.

Electrical Fire Damage:

These fires often start behind walls, making them particularly dangerous. Even after the fire is extinguished, electrical systems may be compromised throughout your property. We work with licensed electricians to ensure all electrical fire damage is properly inspected and repaired.

Water Damage from Firefighting:

The water used to extinguish the fire can cause secondary damage. In Hawaii’s climate, this can lead to mold growth within 24-48 hours if not properly dried.

Structural Damage:

Depending on the severity of the fire, structural components may be compromised. Our fire damage inspection includes a thorough assessment of structural integrity.

Our Complete Fire Damage Restoration Services

Fire Damage Assessment & Inspection

This is the most critical first step to see the extent of the damage. I always tell homeowners and business owners: what you can see is usually just the beginning. Our comprehensive fire damage inspection goes beyond the obvious burn areas to identify:

• Hidden smoke damage in walls, ceilings, and HVAC systems
• Structural damage that may not be immediately visible
• Electrical systems compromised by fire or water
• The full scope of contents that can be saved versus must be replaced
• Potential safety hazards that need immediate attention

We may ask you some questions during this phase to help us see the bigger picture. This is also the part where we can provide you with a rough estimate of the costs needed for restoration. Our detailed fire damage assessment typically includes the following:

• Materials required for reconstruction
• Services that our professionals will provide
• Provision of equipment for the restoration process
• Timeline expectations based on damage severity
• Coordination with your insurance company

Emergency Board-Up and Security Services

One of the first things I do after a fire damage inspection is secure your property. Broken windows and damaged doors leave your home or business vulnerable to weather, animals, and unfortunately, theft. We provide immediate board-up services to protect what remains of your property while we plan the restoration.

Smoke Damage Restoration and Odor Removal

When a fire breaks out, it’s usual for it to leave traces of soot and odor in its wake. These are not easy to get rid of. In most cases, they can even make their way through corners and appliances that did not seem affected.

Here’s what most people don’t realize: you can’t just paint over smoke damage and expect the smell to go away. Smoke odor is caused by particles that penetrate porous materials like drywall, wood, fabric, and insulation. We use professional-grade equipment and techniques for complete smoke damage removal:

• Thermal fogging to neutralize odor molecules
• Ozone treatment for deep odor elimination
• HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles
• Specialized cleaning solutions for different types of soot (protein-based from kitchen fires versus synthetic materials)
• Complete HVAC system cleaning and duct treatment

In Hawaii’s humid environment, smoke odor can become even more persistent. We don’t just mask the smell—we eliminate it at the source so you can actually breathe comfortably in your home again.

Soot and Residue Cleanup

Different types of fires leave different types of soot. An electrical fire produces different residue than a grease fire in your kitchen. Our fire damage restoration team knows how to identify and properly clean each type:

• Dry smoke residue (from fast-burning, high-temperature fires)
• Wet smoke residue (from slow-burning, low-temperature fires)
• Protein residue (from kitchen fires)
• Fuel oil soot (from furnace malfunctions)

Each requires specific cleaning methods. Using the wrong technique can actually spread the damage and make stains permanent.

Property Retrieval And Restoration

We put in our best effort to save as many of your possessions as we can. We will assess everything from the walls of the house to your clothing and electrical equipment that may have been affected.

I remember working with that family in Kailua I mentioned earlier. We were able to restore many items they thought were lost forever—including those WWII medals. Our content restoration services include:

• Pack-out services for items requiring off-site cleaning
• Specialized cleaning for electronics, documents, and photographs
• Careful handling of cultural items and family heirlooms (we understand the value of koa furniture, Hawaiian quilts, and other irreplaceable pieces)
• Detailed inventory and documentation for insurance claims
• Climate-controlled storage if your property requires extensive repairs

Complete Fire Damage Repair and Reconstruction

Once all fire damage cleanup, smoke removal, and odor elimination is complete, we move into the repair and reconstruction phase. As a fully licensed general contractor, we can handle everything:

• Drywall repair and replacement
• Flooring restoration (especially important for bamboo and hardwood common in Hawaii homes)
• Kitchen and bathroom reconstruction
• Roof repair or replacement
• Electrical system repair and upgrades
• Plumbing repairs
• Painting and finishing
• Complete structural rebuilding if necessary

You don’t need to coordinate with multiple contractors. We manage everything from start to finish, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

We understand that commercial fire damage means more than just property loss—it means lost revenue, disrupted operations, and potential employee displacement. Our commercial fire restoration services are designed to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible:

• 24/7 emergency response to minimize business interruption
• After-hours and weekend work to accelerate timelines
• Coordination with your business insurance carrier
• Detailed documentation for your claim
• Phased restoration to allow partial operation during repairs when possible
• Code compliance for commercial buildings in Honolulu

We’ve worked with restaurants recovering from kitchen fires, office buildings dealing with electrical fires, retail spaces, and more throughout Oahu.

Insurance Claim Assistance

Let me be honest with you: dealing with insurance after a fire can feel almost as overwhelming as the fire itself. I’ve watched homeowners and business owners struggle to understand their policies while they’re still in shock. That’s why we:

• Work directly with your insurance adjuster
• Document everything with detailed photos, moisture readings, and reports
• Provide detailed estimates that match insurance requirements
• Advocate for full coverage of all fire damage, smoke damage, and necessary repairs
• Explain the process in plain language
• Handle direct billing when possible to ease your financial burden

We’re not just fire damage restoration contractors—we’re your advocates during this difficult time.

The 24-48 Hour Window: Why Immediate Action Is Critical

I wish more people understood this: the damage doesn’t stop when the fire is out. Here’s what happens in the hours and days after a fire:

First 24 Hours:

• Smoke residue becomes increasingly acidic, etching into surfaces
• Metal fixtures begin to tarnish and corrode
• Soot penetrates deeper into porous materials
• In Hawaii’s humidity, moisture from firefighting efforts creates ideal conditions for mold

24-48 Hours:

• Smoke odors become permanently embedded in fabrics and porous materials
• Wood furniture may begin to discolor permanently
• Metal corrosion accelerates
• Mold spores may begin colonizing in damp areas

This is why we offer true 24/7 emergency response. When you call us at 2 AM or on Sunday morning, a real person answers—not an answering service. And we can typically arrive at your Oahu property within hours, not days.

Fire Damage Restoration Throughout Oahu

Every neighborhood on Oahu has unique characteristics that affect fire restoration:

Kailua Fire Damage Restoration: Windward Oahu’s increased humidity means smoke damage and water damage from firefighting efforts require especially aggressive drying and dehumidification to prevent mold. Salt air can also accelerate corrosion of fire-damaged metals.

Hawaii Kai Properties: Coastal properties face similar challenges with salt air accelerating deterioration after fire damage. Quick response is essential.

Honolulu Urban Areas: High-density residential and commercial properties often mean fire can spread between units. We coordinate with neighboring property owners when necessary and understand multi-unit restoration challenges.

Manoa and Valley Areas: Higher rainfall and humidity in valley neighborhoods require specialized attention to drying and dehumidification after fire damage.

Benefits Of Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Thorough Professional Restoration

We make sure to rigidly go through every step when it comes to fire restoration. We will also plan out the entire process with you right after assessing the damage. Because we are professionals in fire damage restoration in Oahu, you can rest assured that we will deliver the best quality of work.

As a licensed fire damage repair company serving both residential and commercial clients, we follow industry best practices and use the latest equipment for smoke damage removal, odor elimination, and structural repairs. Our fire restoration contractors are trained specifically in Hawaii’s unique environmental challenges.

Save Money And Time

Our professionals are efficient in doing their work. Each step they perform to restore your home and properties is precise and purposeful. This ensures that no time is wasted during the entire restoration process. Because we already know the materials and equipment needed for the task, you don’t have to worry that we will go through trial and error just to get the job done.

When you’re dealing with fire damage, time literally costs money. The longer smoke residue sits on surfaces, the more permanent the damage becomes. The longer your business remains closed, the more revenue you lose. We understand this urgency, which is why our fire damage repair contractors respond quickly and work efficiently to minimize your total loss.

Additional Measures To Prevent Future Damage

Once we’re finished with the actual restoration, we can then discuss with you some preventive steps to stop the same problem from happening again. We will also place fireproof materials and coating on surfaces and objects that require it to further fireproof your home.

This is especially important for properties that have experienced electrical fires. We’ll identify any hazards that contributed to the fire and recommend solutions to prevent recurrence.

Call Us Today For A Free Consultation and Fire Damage Assessment

Fire restoration is not something that you can do by yourself if you’re not a professional. Furthermore, you could even do more harm than good if you don’t know how to go about it. With Rescue One Restoration, you’ll be receiving high-quality services from a top fire damage repair company in Oahu.

Whether you need smoke damage cleanup, complete fire damage restoration, commercial fire restoration, or help navigating your insurance claim, we’re here for you. Our fire damage inspection services are thorough, our repair work is meticulous, and our commitment to your family and property is unwavering.

Don’t wait for smoke damage to become permanent or for secondary damage like mold to develop. The sooner we can begin your fire restoration, the more we can save.

If you need assistance in setting up an appointment with us, get in touch today at (808) 745-1608 or you may submit your inquiry through the “Request Service” form.

We serve all of Oahu including Honolulu, Kailua, Hawaii Kai, Kaneohe, Manoa, Makiki, Diamond Head, Kahala, and surrounding areas. 24/7 emergency fire damage restoration services available island-wide.

Your home holds your memories. Your business represents your livelihood. Let us help you recover both.